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Can You Use Bubble Bath or Shampoo With the Jets Running? Managing Foam in a Jetted Walk-In Tub

▶Glossary8
  1. The Quick Reference Table
  2. Bubble Bath and Shampoo with the Jets on
  3. Built-In Cleaning Helpers
  4. Epsom Salts, the Right Way
  5. If You Have Been Using Additives Already
  6. Related Guides
  7. Common Questions
  8. Still Need Help?

Yes, bubble bath, shampoo and body wash can be used in a jetted walk-in tub, even while the hydro or air jets are running. The one thing to expect is foam: jets whip soap into far more suds than a standard bathtub, so a normal capful of bubble bath or a full lather of shampoo can climb the walls quickly. Use a fraction of the usual amount, watch the foam level, and rinse the tub afterward so residue does not build up in the jet lines. Epsom salts are fine with a rinse; scented bath salts, bath bombs and bath oils are the products to avoid. The canonical guide is Epsom salts and bath products rules, and bubble bath, bath bombs and oils in a jetted walk-in tub covers the products that can clog the jets.

The Quick Reference Table

ProductVerdictNotes
Epsom saltsYesFine for the jetting system. Rinse the tub after use, since salt residue may discolor or spot chrome finishes.
Soaps, shampoos and body washYesFine for everyday use, including with the jets on. Shampoo foams heavily under the jets, so use a little and rinse thoroughly.
Bubble bathYes, sparinglyCan be used with the jets running. The jets make a great deal of foam, so use a fraction of the usual amount and rinse well afterward.
Scented bath saltsNot recommendedOils, dye, glitter and floral bits can affect the mechanics and clog jets. If used, use sparingly and rinse thoroughly.
Bath bombsNot recommendedThe same ingredients raise the same concern. If used, use sparingly and rinse thoroughly.
Bath oilsDiscouragedOils are among the ingredients that can affect the jet mechanics. If you use them, plan on an extra vinegar flush.

Bubble Bath and Shampoo with the Jets on

The hydro and air systems churn the water constantly, so a capful of bubble bath produces a mountain of foam that can climb over the deck. Start with a small amount, let the jets run for a minute, and only add more if you want it. If the foam gets ahead of you, switch the jets off for a moment and it will settle. After the bath, rinse the tub and run the hand shower over the jets so soap film does not dry inside them. The companion guide what the jets can and cannot handle explains why bombs and oils are treated differently from soap.

Built-In Cleaning Helpers

Jetted Ella tubs help keep themselves clean. The ozone generator runs with the hydro system to sanitize the water lines, and the air system's Auto Purge starts automatically about 20 minutes after the air pump is turned off and runs for 120 seconds to blow residual water out of the air lines. Auto Purge cannot be stopped and is perfectly normal, even if it starts while you are still in the tub. Between baths, wipe the tub with a non-abrasive, acrylic-safe cleaner; denatured alcohol handles stubborn marks.

Epsom Salts, the Right Way

  1. Add the salts to the bath water and let them dissolve fully.
  2. Enjoy your bath. Dissolved Epsom salts will not harm the jetting system.
  3. Drain and rinse the tub well afterward, paying attention to chrome surfaces such as the drain trim, jets and faucet, since salt residue left on chrome can discolor or spot the finish over time.

The Epsom salt basics are also summarized in can I use Epsom salts in my walk-in tub.

If You Have Been Using Additives Already

No need to worry. Simply run the standard cleaning flush: mix 2 cups of white vinegar with 2 cups of water, fill the tub to 1 inch above the highest jets, add the mixture, run the pumps for 10 minutes, and drain. The same flush is used before your first bath and once a month. Flushing after every bath is not necessary, because the air and hydro systems are fully plumbed. If you notice weak jets or debris coming from the jets after heavy additive use, repeat the flush and clean the pump inlet cover of hair and debris. A tub that has been idle for a long time needs the fuller routine in restarting a tub that sat unused.

Common Questions

Can I use bubble bath while the jets are running?
Yes, but use much less than you would in a regular tub. The jets create a large amount of foam, so add a small amount, watch the level, and rinse the tub and jets afterward.
Is it okay to shampoo my hair with the jets on?
Yes. Shampoo is fine with the jets running, though it will foam heavily, so use a little and rinse thoroughly. A rinse with the hand shower over the jets after the bath keeps soap film out of the lines.
Will Epsom salts damage the jets or the pump?
No. Epsom salts are fine for the jetting system. Rinse the tub after use, because residue left on chrome finishes may discolor or spot them over time.
Why are bath bombs not recommended in a jetted tub?
Bath bombs carry oils, dye, glitter and floral material that can clog the jets and affect the mechanics. If you do use one, use it sparingly and rinse the tub thoroughly afterward.
How do I clean the tub after using additives?
Run the standard flush: 2 cups of white vinegar with 2 cups of water, tub filled to 1 inch above the highest jets, pumps run for 10 minutes, then drain. Repeat it and clean the pump inlet cover if the jets seem weak.

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.

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